In the News..

Report presents data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey 2022 Study highlights concerns over mental health and wellbeing, with older children and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds more vulnerable Children report less alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use but an increase in vaping   Research by University of Galway has shed new light into the health behaviours of children and adolescents in Ireland, emphasising areas of progress and concern that require urgent attention. Commissioned by the Department of Health, the findings are from the latest Irish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey conducted in 2022. More than 9,000 children, from a representative sample of 191 primary and post-primary schools nationwide, were asked to report on a series of questions related to their lifestyles, behaviours and experiences. The report is available online at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/hbsc/hbscireland/2022study/. Key findings for 10-17 year-olds include: Alcohol, tobacco - some improvements 69% of children reported never drinking alcohol (66% in 2018) 9% reported having ever smoked (12% in 2018) Vaping - girls and older children more likely to report use 18% report having ever used vapes or e-cigarettes 13% report having ever used vapes or e-cigarettes in the last 30 days Cannabis - older children more likely to report cannabis use and no social class difference found 6% reported cannabis use in the last 12 months, (8% in 2018) Mental health and wellbeing - older teenage girls less likely to report high levels of life satisfaction, happiness and wellbeing.  54% of 10-17 year-old girls report high life satisfaction, compared to 69% of boys 22% of girls and 33% of boys report feeling very happy with their lives at present Covid - the impact of the pandemic was reported on for the first time in the 2022 survey 40% of children reported that the public health restrictions had a negative impact on their mental health and school performance Girls and older children were more likely to report these negative impacts Bullying - Boys and children from the middle social class group are more likely to report bullying others at school once or more in the past couple of months 29% reported being bullied once or more in the last couple of months (30% in 2018) 13% report having bullied others once or more in the last couple of months (14% in 2018) Cyberbullying - Girls, younger children and children from lower social class groups are more likely to report being victims once or more in the past couple of months 18% report being cyberbullied (15% in 2018) 9% report having taken part in cyberbullying, with boys and those from lower socioeconomic groups more likely to have reported taking part (8% in 2018) Dietary behaviour - some positive findings, with more children eating fruit and vegetables One in four children report eating fruit and 23% report eating vegetables every day 19% report never having breakfast on school days (13% in 2018) 18% report having gone to school or bed hungry because there was not enough food in the house (19% in 2018) 13% report trying to lose weight (14% in 2018) Sexual health - a decrease in numbers reporting condom use One in four 15-17 year-olds report ever having sex (25% in 2018) 48% of those report that they or their partner used a condom at their last sexual intercourse (62% in 2018) And 34% of those who report having sex also report that they or their partner used no contraception at their last sexual intercourse (22% in 2018) Exercise and Physical Activity - recurring finding of low numbers of children meeting physical activity guidelines Only 24% of children report reaching the recommended level of 60 minutes physical activity every day of the week (22% in 2018). 50% of children report participating in vigorous exercise four or more times per week (49% in 2018). Boys, younger children and children from higher social class groups are more likely to report participating in vigorous exercise four or more times per week. Menstrual health and period poverty - being reported for the first time as part of the survey in 2022 10% of girls reported experiencing period poverty - defined by ever being unable to afford period products 60% reported ever missing school due to period symptoms Sun safety 85% of children report always or sometimes using sunscreen on a sunny day, (80% in 2018) 75% of children report having been sunburnt at least once last summer (73% in 2018) Professor Colette Kelly, Director of the Health Promotion Research Centre at University of Galway, highlighted the significance of the findings, particularly given the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: "These insights provide a critical understanding of children's health behaviours during a time of unprecedented challenges. Overall, the findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and supports to ensure the well-being of Ireland's youth, for example there are indications of a positive shift in healthy eating, yet far too many children go hungry at times. One concerning trend is that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds consistently report more negative health outcomes. This highlights the urgent need to address health disparities and to ensure equitable access to resources for all children.” Aoife Gavin, Senior Researcher at the Health Promotion Research Centre, and lead author of the report, commented on findings related to mental well-being and happiness: “Findings concerning wellbeing, happiness and life satisfaction, particularly among older teenage girls are deeply troubling. While the impact of COVID-19 can be seen to exacerbate these challenges, it’s crucial to recognise that this trend existed pre-pandemic. This is now a longstanding issue requiring immediate attention and while further research is underway to understand these findings, interventions are imperative to reverse this concerning trajectory and to ensure the wellbeing of our youth.” Dr Andras Kolto, Senior Postdoctoral Researcher at the Health Promotion Research Centre at University of Galway, said: “The decline in condom use, and overall contraception use among adolescents is alarming. With only 48% reporting condom use at the last sexual intercourse, and a notable increase in those using no contraception, urgent action is needed to address Relationships and Sexuality Education in schools, to enhance education for young people and increase access to resources, such as sexual health services for our youth.” Professor Kelly emphasised the need for continued data collection: “This data is not merely numbers - it is the foundation upon which effective policy and society changes are built. Without robust data and thorough analysis, we cannot hope to enact meaningful improvements in the lives of children in Ireland. Our ambition remains clear: to collect data that informs evidence-based recommendations, driving positive policy changes that will enhance the well-being of future generations.” Ends

Marine Institute Research Vessel Celtic Explorer carries cargo of bronze replica famine shoes on symbolic journey to Canada    University of Galway has supported the Marine Institute in a transatlantic initiative to expand the Famine Way internationally.  Fifteen pairs of bronze replica famine shoes - which mark Ireland’s official Famine Heritage Trail from Strokestown, Co Roscommon to Dublin and symbolise the countless lives lost and forced migration of An Górta Mór/the Great Famine - are being carried on an historic journey to Canada aboard the Marine Institute’s Research Vessel Celtic Explorer.   The Marine Institute hosted a special ceremony on board the vessel at Galway Port ahead of the shoes being brought to St John’s, Newfoundland.  University of Galway Vice-President International Professor Becky Whay took part in the transatlantic crossing and events to launch the Global Famine Way.  Professor Whay said: “We are taking pairs of these shoes on the voyage across to St John’s and in doing so we are retracing the journey of so many Irish citizens who were forced to take a leap into the unknown in an effort to survive. For University of Galway, we are so thrilled to be involved in this project. The connections with Canada and deepening our relations with Canada are so important, and this is symbolic of that as well as the famine journey.”  A pair of bronze replica famine shoes will be installed in The Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in St John’s marking the first part of the expansion of the Famine Way.   The shoes were crafted by artist Alannah O'Kelly. They are based on a pair of shoes found in a disused 19th century thatched cottage and were originally placed on the path from Strokestown to Dublin to remember and symbolise the countless lives lost and the forced migration of Irish people during the Great Famine. The Famine Way will later be expanded further into Canada and the US, Liverpool and Australia, with the aim of raising awareness about its enduring impact on Ireland and Irish communities worldwide.  The Marine Institute partner with Strokestown House to bring the shoes to Canada aboard the RV Celtic Explorer.   Caroilín Callery of the National Famine Way, said: “We are delighted and grateful to partner with the Marine Institute to have the Bronze Shoes brought on this leg of their journey to Canada. It is symbolic and important to us that their voyage mirrors the journey of the famine emigrants they represent – following the path they took in 1847.”   Dr Rick Officer, chief executive of the Marine Institute, said: "We are honoured to bring the Bronze Famine Shoes to Canada aboard the RV Celtic Explorer. This journey represents a powerful symbol of solidarity and remembrance, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Great Irish Famine and its impact on Irish communities around the world. It is fitting that the bronze shoes, a poignant symbol of our past, are now being carried on a journey aboard Ireland’s state of the art research vessel connecting history with the promise of tomorrow.  The Atlantic crossing for the RV Celtic Explorer - Ireland’s largest national research vessel – will also lead to a research expedition and significant survey along the western Greenland shelf as part of the Biological Carbon Export in the Labrador Sea (BELAS) survey.   This international, collaborative, interdisciplinary survey is being led by Dr Brain Ward, University of Galway, with partners from Dalhousie University of Nova Scotia and Memorial University of Newfoundland. It is supported by Ship-time funding from the Marine Institute, the Canadian Research council, the Ocean frontiers Institute (Canada) as well as the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre in Applied Geosciences, based at University College Dublin (iCRAG)   Ends  

University of Galway has announced the appointment of Des Ryan as the new Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing.  As Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing Mr Ryan will play the lead role in the strategic management of sport and physical wellbeing in the University, including the development of infrastructure, facilities and participation for all sport activity.   President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “We are delighted to have someone with such a breadth of experience as Des Ryan to lead the development of sports and physical wellbeing at the University. From premier league soccer, to inter-provincial and world rugby, to gaelic games, and expertise in sports science, Des Ryan will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and insight to the University. We are conscious of the relationship between academic performance, health and wellbeing, and we often look to our values of excellence, respect and openness when we think about the importance of sport and physical activity. I look forward to working with Des Ryan and colleagues in Spórt to ensure the broadening of opportunities and achievements of our students.”  Congratulating Des Ryan on his appointment, University of Galway’s Dean of Students, Professor Ciara Meehan, said: "We are very pleased to have someone with Des Ryan’s experience and background to lead and develop our reputation as a leading third level institution for sport. As an established sports manager Des Ryan combines a passion for sport and a commitment to inclusion and diversity with a promise to support our elite athletes and promote the health and wellbeing of all our students and staff. We look forward to ensuring that our strengths and successes in sport will continue to grow and prosper."  Speaking of his appointment, Des Ryan said: “I am delighted to be joining the University of Galway. I look forward to working with the whole student and staff community to develop a dual-aspirational plan to help increase the physical wellbeing of everyone in our University community and, secondly, to help people in the sporting community to be their best. I will work with all the students, staff and volunteers to help University of Galway be a healthy environment where everyone feels they belong and an environment where they can improve their physical wellbeing and sporting potential.  “I would love to speak to any graduates or people from the wider community who would be interested in volunteering or supporting the University Sporting and Physical Activity projects.”     Originally from Aughrim in Co. Galway, Mr Ryan is a leading youth coach and performance manager in sport and a world-renowned practitioner and speaker in the field of youth athletic development.   Prior to joining the University, he worked for Setanta College as Director of Coaching and Athletic Development; Arsenal Football Club Academy as Head of Sport Medicine and Athletic Development; Head of Strength and Conditioning at Connacht Rugby; and Strength and Conditioning Coach and Fitness Education Manager within the IRFU.  Over the years Des Ryan has presented at the UKSCA – the UK's Professional Body for Strength and Conditioning, the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) conferences, as well as many other conferences around the world. He also has worked as a consultant to World Rugby, Brentford FC and the National Cricket academy in India. Des works closely with the Gaelic Games community as a member of the Sports Science Working Group and also the Coaching Advisory Working Group.    Des Ryan has a Masters in Strength and Conditioning and is also an Accredited Strength and Conditioning coach with the UKSCA. He also has achieved the High Performance Sports Accreditation from the British Association of Sports and Exercise Science and is a chartered scientist.    University of Galway is home to 40 active sports clubs, which are student-led and organised, with more than 6,000 students participating in sport and physical activity at the University.  Ends